Counties Push For Resort Tax Changes

But the idea has drawn criticism from hoteliers, attraction managers and others in the industry who would rather see the tourist tax spent on advertising and promotions.

''What we're seeing is a difference of opinion between the politicos, tourism council members and the industry,'' said state Rep. Alzo Reddick of Orlando, chairman of the House Tourism, Hospitality and Economic Development Committee and a member of the Florida Tourism Commission.

''The whole area of expanding TDC funds for other uses has come up all over (the state).''

Osceola County commissioners, for example, want to use tourist taxes to pay for new fire stations, improving medical services and law enforcement. State Rep. Irlo ''Bud'' Bronson, D-Kissimmee, filed a bill this week supporting that expanded use.

But Reddick and others, including Gov. Lawton Chiles, are more cautious.

''Unless there is a compelling reason to change it, I would like to leave it the same,'' Reddick said. ''I recognize the needs of counties are changing during these economic times, but I want to be protective of the tourism industry.''

Last year, Chiles vetoed a request from Fort Lauderdale to use tourist taxes to buy land for a redevelopment project. The city wanted to build a hotel-attraction-shopping plaza on 12 acres along the beach.